The Tech Bros Might Show More Humility in Delhi – But Will They Make AI Any Safer?
The conversation around artificial intelligence often centers on the powerful voices from the West, particularly the US and Europe. However, the upcoming AI Impact Summit in India signifies a pivotal shift, as key leaders from tech, politics, science, and advocacy gather in the Global South—a region underrepresented in the AI race.
A Shift in Dynamics at the AI Impact Summit
– Global South Leadership: This summit brings together diverse perspectives, marking a stark contrast to last year’s AI Action Summit. That event was marked by a tense power struggle among Western nations vying for dominance.
– A Humble Gathering: In Delhi, there’s a sense of humility, reflecting India’s unique position as a burgeoning tech hub that has contributed significantly to AI infrastructure while not enjoying the same rewards as wealthier nations.
India’s Growing Role in AI
– Key AI Hubs: Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai are becoming pivotal centers for AI innovation, boasting a vast tech workforce.
– Infrastructure Investment: Major players such as Google, Nvidia, and Amazon are investing heavily in Indian tech, recognizing the country’s potential.
The Invisible Workforce Behind AI
While India is advancing in tech, a significant but overlooked workforce is crucial for training AI systems:
– Data Categorization: Low-paid workers in India perform the labor-intensive task of categorizing vast data sets used to develop AI tools.
– Earnings Perspective: In Chennai, the average salary for an AI data trainer is around 480,000 rupees (approximately $5,000 annually), highlighting the disparity compared to the over $500 billion valuation of companies like OpenAI.
The Need for Inclusive AI Solutions
The 2026 International AI Safety Report emphasizes:
– Adoption Rates: In many regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, AI adoption rates are expected to remain below 10%, while over 50% of populations in some countries actively use AI.
– Language Barriers: Major AI platforms lack support for India’s 22 official languages and numerous dialects. ChatGPT and Claude cover only about half, while Google’s Gemini supports just nine languages.
Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya from IIT Mumbai states, “Without technology that understands these languages, millions are excluded from advancements in education, governance, healthcare, and banking.”
To address this, India is establishing its own sovereign AI platforms through the AI Mission, albeit progress is slow compared to rapid developments from Western and Chinese firms.
Focusing on Economic Transformation
An Indian government official noted that:
– Prioritizing Growth Over Power Struggles: India is not inclined toward geopolitical contests but focuses on leveraging AI for its own economic advancement.
– Building Capability at Scale: Rajan Anandan of Peak XV emphasizes that this effort is about more than technology; it’s a vital step toward economic sovereignty.
As India embraces this transformational journey, the US may find itself in an unusual position, potentially relegated to a less dominant role.
Looking Towards a Collaborative Future in AI
Experts suggest that:
– Inclusive Governance: Professor Gina Neff highlights that the upcoming summit promotes a bottom-up approach, emphasizing community engagement in AI governance.
– Demand for Transparency: Amanda Brock from OpenUK advocates for transparency from AI companies regarding their methodologies to spur innovation and scrutiny.
Despite some positive strides, concerns remain about the prioritization of safety in AI development. After a previous AI Safety Summit in the UK, the emphasis on safety was notably absent from subsequent discussions, leading some experts to wonder if meaningful outcomes will emerge from the Delhi summit.
Professor Dame Wendy Hall noted her low expectations for substantive discussions on mitigating AI risks but acknowledges the importance of participation in these conversations.
As global discussions on AI continue, the focus must remain on ensuring that technological advancements benefit everyone, particularly those in the Global South. The question remains—will this summit foster a collaborative effort towards safer AI, or will it simply reinforce existing power structures?